Disease

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

On 9 March 2015, the IHR National Focal Point of Qatar notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

Between 26 February and 2 March 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 18 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 5 deaths.

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – China

On 9 March 2015, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified WHO of 59 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, including 17 fatal cases. Onset dates ranged from 21 January to 25 February 2015.

Botswana - foot and mouth disease outbreak

Botswana on Wednesday confirmed that it has been hit by an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the northern part of the country.Acting Agriculture Assistant Minister, Fidelis Molao told Parliament that the disease was detected last week during a clinical inspection of cattle destined for slaughter at the Maun abattoir.

He said at least 20 of the 300 cattle tested positive for FMD and that the last vaccination done in the area was in September 2014.